{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3720013,"projectId":10220510,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping us bring high-quality Science of Reading resources to our students! The hand2mind Advancing Phonics Word Work Small Group Set, Magnetic Letter Tiles and Trays, Little Minds at Work Science of Reading Essentials Toolkit, Elkonin Boxes, decodable reading materials, and Guided Phonics + Beyond Focus Lessons have made a tremendous impact on student learning.\r\n\r\nWe use these resources daily during small-group reading instruction. One of my favorite moments was watching students use the magnetic letter tiles and Elkonin boxes to segment and map sounds in words. Students who previously struggled to hear individual sounds in words were excited to build, manipulate, and read words independently. The hands-on materials helped make abstract phonics concepts concrete and engaging.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were eager to explore them. They loved using the magnetic letters and trays and were excited to work with tools that made reading feel interactive and fun. Many students immediately asked when they could use the new materials again.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our literacy journey, students will use these resources to strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, and word recognition skills. We are building toward greater reading confidence and independence through targeted small-group instruction and decodable text practice. These materials will continue to support students as they develop the foundational skills necessary to become successful readers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided meaningful learning opportunities and has helped our students grow as readers every day. Thank you for investing in their future and making a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1778033569125,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-become-confident-reader/10220510/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Become Confident Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perrino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3720013_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470244357822","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3720013"},{"teacherId":555739,"projectId":10228327,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of pencils, erasers, and a pencil parking lot organizer to our classroom. Your kindness has already made a meaningful impact on our students and our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nHaving a reliable supply of pencils and erasers ensures that every student is prepared and confident during lessons, classwork, and creative activities. Something as simple as a sharpened pencil can make a big difference in a child's ability to focus, participate, and feel successful in school.\r\n\r\nThe pencil parking lot organizer has also been incredibly helpful in keeping our classroom organized and efficient. Students are learning responsibility by properly storing and caring for classroom materials, and we are spending more time focused on learning instead of searching for supplies.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a positive, well-equipped classroom where students can thrive academically and creatively. We are truly grateful for your investment in our students' education and for helping make our classroom a welcoming place to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1778087545288,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-and-erasers/10228327/","projectTitle":"Pencils and Erasers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silos"},{"teacherId":555739,"projectId":10095434,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of computer mice and candy to support our students during state testing. Your thoughtful contributions will make a meaningful difference in both their performance and overall experience.\r\n\r\nThe computer mice you provided are more than just accessories—they are essential tools that help students navigate digital assessments with greater ease and confidence. For many students, especially those who may struggle with trackpads or outdated equipment, having reliable, responsive mice removes a layer of frustration and allows them to focus fully on demonstrating what they know. This small change can significantly reduce test anxiety and improve their ability to perform at their best.\r\n\r\nThe candy you donated brings an equally important boost—encouragement and motivation. State testing can be a stressful time, and these treats serve as small but powerful reminders that their hard work is\r\nmotivated to succeed.\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to our students' success. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1773228615617,"projectUrl":"project/testing-needs/10095434/","projectTitle":"Testing Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silos"},{"teacherId":5036878,"projectId":9641510,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution. My students were so excited when they discovered all of the new resources that you supplied for our classroom. It was so fun to see their exciement as each new thing was delivered and unboxed., \r\n\r\nWe have been utilizing the chart paper to build anchor charts to help us remember things that we have been covering as we gear up for testing season. We had to have an in class lottery with raffle tickets to determine who would get to check out the novels provided first. The bright new library cards and pockets are coming in handy as we keep track of checking out books as well. The whisper phones were a huge surprise and each student loves reading with them during independent reading time, as well as partner reading. \r\n\r\nIn addition to the supplies and resources mentioned above, the students have enjoyed everything that was generously donated to us. It not only increases the engagement for the class and the excitement to learn, but it also injects hope into the classroom environment. When students from impoverished areas see that there are people that care enough to invest in their academic success, it brings a sense of hope and of pride that carries through in their spirit and approach to learning. While we strive to make each day fun and inspiring in the classroom, shiny new supplies and resources ingnite an energy that is not seen every day. \r\n\r\nOnce again we thank you and appreciate you taking the time to invest in the future generations,","fullyFundedDate":1762716402262,"projectUrl":"project/reading-room-restock/9641510/","projectTitle":"Reading Room Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Busquaert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5036878_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756263711257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5036878"},{"teacherId":555739,"projectId":9712555,"letterContent":"I am writing to highlight the positive impact that fraction calculators can have on student learning in fifth-grade mathematics. At this stage of development, students are transitioning from basic arithmetic to more complex concepts involving fractions, ratios, and proportional reasoning. While conceptual understanding remains the core of instruction, fraction calculators can serve as a valuable tool that enhances—not replaces—meaningful learning.\r\nFirst, fraction calculators help build confidence for students who struggle with multi-step fraction procedures. When students become overwhelmed by computation, they often disengage from problem-solving altogether. By removing the barrier of tedious or error-prone calculations, fraction calculators allow students to focus on the why behind operations: understanding relationships between numerators and denominators, recognizing equivalent fractions, and interpreting real-world fraction situations. This shift from mechanical steps to conceptual reasoning supports deeper learning for all students, especially those who may need extra time or support.\r\nSecond, fraction calculators promote accuracy and reduce frustration. In complex tasks—such as adding unlike denominators, comparing mixed numbers, or working through word problems—small mistakes can derail the entire solution process. With the aid of a calculator, students can check their work, verify their reasoning, and develop a stronger sense of numerical patterns. This experience helps students build perseverance and develop habits of mathematical rigor.\r\nAdditionally, the use of fraction calculators mirrors real-world mathematical practice. Adults regularly use digital tools to manage calculations, and introducing students to responsible, purposeful use of these tools prepares them for higher-level mathematics and problem-solving in everyday life. When used strategically, calculators empower students to ask better questions, experiment with numbers, and explore mathematical ideas with greater independence.\r\nFinally, fraction calculators can support differentiated instruction. Students working at varying levels of readiness can engage with the same high-value tasks. Those who need computational support have access to it, while students who are ready for more advanced challenges can extend their learning. This approach fosters an inclusive classroom environment where every student can experience success.\r\nIn conclusion, fraction calculators are not a shortcut—they are a scaffold. When thoughtfully integrated into instruction, they strengthen conceptual understanding, increase student confidence, encourage accuracy, and support equitable participation in mathematics. Their use in fifth grade can meaningfully enhance the learning experience and help students build the skills and mindset needed for long-term mathematical success.\r\nThank you for your dedication to supporting effective learning tools and approaches in mathematics education","fullyFundedDate":1758845877950,"projectUrl":"project/calculating-fractions/9712555/","projectTitle":"Calculating Fractions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silos"},{"teacherId":555739,"projectId":9126799,"letterContent":"With our six weeks of testing completed my students got to make their custom pencils. They were so excited to choose and customize their very own mechanical pencil. Thanks to your generosity, they all got lead to refill their pencils as well. It's so hard at the end of a long year to keep motivation high and with so much testing it's really amazing I get to reward all their efforts, stamina, and perseverance. Thank you for supporting my kids and making the end of an elementary career a fun and successful one.","fullyFundedDate":1742947361668,"projectUrl":"project/testing-incentives/9126799/","projectTitle":"Testing Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-silos"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71075","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":327,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":65,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":15,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":71075,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/van-dyke-public-school-district/mckinley-elementary-school/71075"}